Search Continues for Chicago Murder Suspect

FBI Chicago
November 19, 2009

Special Agent Joan Hyde(312) 829-1199

Robert D. Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is asking for the public’s help in locating RAFAEL RODRIGUEZ, who is wanted for the April 11, 1998 gang-related shooting death of a 22-year-old Chicago man.

RODRIGUEZ, age 32, whose last known address was 4533 South Marshfield Street in Chicago, is wanted by the FBI for Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution (UFAP), which is a felony offense. RODRIGUEZ is believed to have fled the state in 1998 after being charged in Cook County Circuit Court with First Degree Murder. The murder charge stems from RODRIGUEZ’ alleged involvement in the shooting of Eriverto Mejia who was shot and killed in Chicago during a dispute between rival gang members.

According to police reports, RAFAEL RODRIGUEZ, a member of the Latin Saints street gang, was identified by an eyewitness as the shooter in this case. It is believed that RODRIGUEZ fled the Chicago area after the shootings and may have returned to his parents’ native Mexico.

RODRIGUEZ, also known as “Ralphy”, is described as a Hispanic/male, 5’8” tall, 130 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Given the nature of the charges filed against him and his extensive criminal record, RODRIGUEZ should be considered armed and dangerous.

This case is being investigated by the Chicago FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF) which is comprised of FBI Special Agents, Detectives from the Chicago Police Department and Investigators from the Cook County Sheriff’s Police.

Anyone recognizing RODRIGUEZ or having any information as to his current whereabouts is asked to call the Chicago FBI Office at (312) 421-6700 or any law enforcement agency.

The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt and that all defendants in a criminal case are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Copies of the wanted flyer or the criminal complaint filed in this case are available from the Chicago FBI’s press office at (312) 829-1199.